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Public Domain

Chimú

Bird effigy bottle

Chimu, 999

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Chimú

Bird effigy bottle

Chimu, 999

Physical Qualities Earthenware, red slipped, 8 1/2 × 6 1/8 in. (21.6 × 15.5 cm.)
Credit Line Gift of Dr. and Mrs. Sanford M. Rosenthal
Object Number 1974.41.6
Sea and land birds are the frequent subject of Chimú art and architecture. Ducks, cormorants, parrots, tanager, and other species appear in wood, gold, stone, and ceramic. This example in ceramic represents a seagull with conical shaped headdress. The bottle is embossed with a wave and raised dot pattern. Below the embossed area is a single textile design band in negative paint.

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